Sisterhood
I was born a sister. Second to the womb. Two more followed me from that home and one other brought from afar.
Sister is my original mission. By blood, by law, by vocation. A bond shared with so many, old and young. My proudest likeness.
The identity that has remained through every crisis of self. The me that makes sense even when all else loses meaning.
My most valued birthright. Anchoring me me with over half of the world. Sisterhood is a convergence of power, of resources, and of love.
It bleeds together, removes the hijab, shares secrets in the bathroom. It opens the heart and sheds tears with strangers.
It welcomes me into kitchens, nurseries, hospitals, and convents. It offers belonging when I don't belong at all, conferring divine alliance.
It is the sticky stuff. The strong stuff. The calling of a lifetime. And now I find it as a title. A prefix of respect and acceptance. A token of affection.
It is the tiniest, yet most profound symbol of belonging in my new home of strangers. It is my oldest and my newest name. Mana.
